A Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is an ongoing planning process that requires participation and input from both the public and private sectors, along with the communities of a region. The CEDS is updated every five years through a comprehensive planning process that addresses the needs of the entire region. The EDD staff ensures that private, public, and community interests are represented in the composition of the CEDS Committee. The CEDS was recently updated and adopted on 8/9/17.

The CEDS performs the following functions:

• Analyzes regional economy & guides regional goals & objectives.
• Creates a road map to economic diversity through private sector investment and job creation.
• Serves as vehicle to justify and draw down federal funds.
• Identifies key investments, opportunities, and projects in the region
• Identifies target clusters for the region

The CEDS is designed to guide economic growth by fostering a more stable and diversified economy, to assist in the creation of jobs, and thereby improve the quality of life in Desoto, Hardee, Highlands, Okeechobee, and Polk counties.